Dark Elf

The ashen skinned residents of Morrowind are partially praised for their great resistance to fire. Dark Elves, also known as Dunmer, are a prejudiced, disciplined, tradition-heavy people. This hardness has led to the development of an ancestral wrath power that surrounds them in flames. They are not only known for being ruthless in war, but for being very skilled at it, too. They are the most combat balanced race in Tamriel, being proficient in combat magic, weaponry, and archery.

Abilities

50% resistance to fire

Ancestor's Wrath

Skill Bonuses

Alchemy: +5

Alteration: +5

Destruction: +10

Illusion: +5

Light Armor: +5

Sneak: +5

High Elf

High Elves, also known as Altmer, are natives of Summerset Isle. They are the most magically proficient race in Tamriel as well as being the most hubristic. Their racial power is a constant effect that lets them regenerate magicka faster than other races.

Abilities

Highborn

+50 Magicka

Skill Bonuses

Alteration: +5

Conjuration: +5

Destruction: +5

Enchanting: +5

Illusion: +10

Restoration: +5

Recommended Class

If you were looking for the best mages, look no further. While Oblivion and Morrowind had an obvious favoritism for Bretons, Skyrim seems to be trying to overcompensate for it with how powerful High Elves are in this game. With an extremely generous 50 extra magicka to start, you'll be throwing spells like a sultan right off the bat. Then their racial power lets you recharge your already buffed magicka at lightning speed once per day. While the 50 magicka won't be too noticeable in the late game, early to mid-game it is extremely nice. Their racial power, however, is going to be valuable all the way through. Step aside Bretons, there's a new mage in town.